Caring for Newborns in an Incubator
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1. Prepare the incubator.
a. Pre-warm to a temperature appropriate to the infant’s age, size and condition.
b. Use Air mode.
c. Position away from draughts or direct sunlight.
d. Ensure alarms self-test has been completed (automatic).
2. Care of Baby
a. Maintain axilla temperature between 36.5°C and 37.5°C
b. Access baby by using the portholes, limit opening of large door as this intereferes with air temperature.
c. Ensure baby is nursed naked apart from a nappy.
d. Position baby utilizing rolled towels/cloth nappies to provide boundaries that support ‘nesting’ and flexion of limbs but keeping face clear.
e. Explain to parents/caregivers the purpose of an incubator for their Baby.
f. Ensure they are familiar with how to access baby as it is optimal for parents to continue to touch and provide comfort.
g. Maintain a quiet environment.
h. There is no tapping on the canopy.
i. No equipment is placed on top of the canopy.
j. Careful opening and closing of doors.
3. Adjusting incubator temperature.
a. Default incubator temperature in NICU is 35 degrees.
b. Adjust the incubator temperature by no more or less than 0.5 of a degree at a time.
c. Re-check the temperature within half an hour of making any adjustment.
4. Monitoring axilla temperature is taken on admission into the incubator and rechecked in the first hour. Temperature is documented hourly as condition dictates.
5. Use of Humidification.
a. Is utilized for incubator care of preterm babies only – NOT required for babies >32weeks. Remember: A stressed baby is less able to maintain thermoneutrality
b. Surgical babies are prone to stress both before, during and after surgery.
6. Weaning Incubator Temperature in Preparation for Cot Care.
a. When the decision is made to remove the infant from the incubator the incubator temperature should be weaned by 0.5 degree’s until 30 degree’s is achieved.
b. As long as baby is clothed and wrapped adequately he/she may be transferred to a cot when clinically safe to do so. Check temperature within 1 hour of transfer.
7. Phototherapy.
a. Decrease incubator temperature when phototherapy is commenced.
b. Re-check axilla temperature within an hour of making adjustment.
8.Transporting Baby in Incubator.
a. Consider covering during transport to promote warmth and provide privacy.
b. Always use two people when moving the incubator and baby together.
a. Pre-warm to a temperature appropriate to the infant’s age, size and condition.
b. Use Air mode.
c. Position away from draughts or direct sunlight.
d. Ensure alarms self-test has been completed (automatic).
2. Care of Baby
a. Maintain axilla temperature between 36.5°C and 37.5°C
b. Access baby by using the portholes, limit opening of large door as this intereferes with air temperature.
c. Ensure baby is nursed naked apart from a nappy.
d. Position baby utilizing rolled towels/cloth nappies to provide boundaries that support ‘nesting’ and flexion of limbs but keeping face clear.
e. Explain to parents/caregivers the purpose of an incubator for their Baby.
f. Ensure they are familiar with how to access baby as it is optimal for parents to continue to touch and provide comfort.
g. Maintain a quiet environment.
h. There is no tapping on the canopy.
i. No equipment is placed on top of the canopy.
j. Careful opening and closing of doors.
3. Adjusting incubator temperature.
a. Default incubator temperature in NICU is 35 degrees.
b. Adjust the incubator temperature by no more or less than 0.5 of a degree at a time.
c. Re-check the temperature within half an hour of making any adjustment.
4. Monitoring axilla temperature is taken on admission into the incubator and rechecked in the first hour. Temperature is documented hourly as condition dictates.
5. Use of Humidification.
a. Is utilized for incubator care of preterm babies only – NOT required for babies >32weeks. Remember: A stressed baby is less able to maintain thermoneutrality
b. Surgical babies are prone to stress both before, during and after surgery.
6. Weaning Incubator Temperature in Preparation for Cot Care.
a. When the decision is made to remove the infant from the incubator the incubator temperature should be weaned by 0.5 degree’s until 30 degree’s is achieved.
b. As long as baby is clothed and wrapped adequately he/she may be transferred to a cot when clinically safe to do so. Check temperature within 1 hour of transfer.
7. Phototherapy.
a. Decrease incubator temperature when phototherapy is commenced.
b. Re-check axilla temperature within an hour of making adjustment.
8.Transporting Baby in Incubator.
a. Consider covering during transport to promote warmth and provide privacy.
b. Always use two people when moving the incubator and baby together.